Role of divalent cations, pH, cytoskeleton components and surface charge on the adhesion of Trichomonas vaginalis to a polystyrene substrate

• Published in: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Vol. 82; no. 3; pp. 379 - 384
• Main Authors: Silva Filho, F C, Elias, C A, De Souza, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil 01-07-1987
• Subjects: Animals; Calcium - physiology; Cell Adhesion; Culture Media; Cytoskeleton - physiology; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Magnesium - physiology; Neuraminidase - metabolism; Polystyrenes - metabolism; Trichomonas vaginalis; Trichomonas vaginalis - physiology; Trichomonas vaginalis - ultrastructure
• ISSN: 0074-0276
• DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761987000300009

The process of adhesion of three different strains of Trichomonas vaginalis to a polystyrene substrate was analysed. The process of adhesion was dependent on the time of incubation and the pH of the phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) in which the parasites were suspended. The highest indices of adhesion were observed after an incubation time of 60 min at pH 6.6. The adhesion index increased when the parasites were incubated in the presence of culture media or when Ca++ or Mg++ was added to the PBS solution, whereas cytochalasin B, trypsin or neuraminidase reduced adhesion. Incubation of the parasites in the presence of poly-L-lysine facilitated the process of adhesion. Incubation of the parasites or polystyrene beads in the presence of poly-L-lysine led to important changes in their surface charge.